Manaslu Circuit Trek Over View

Duration: 15 Days   |   Based on 3 Reviews
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Bus
  • Food: Full Board Plan
  • Accommodation: Hotel + Tea House
  • Group Size: 2+
  • Max Elevation: 5,106 m

Circle around the shadows of Mt. Manaslu 8th highest Mountain in the world. Experience the intermingle of Tibetan culture with local Gurung tribes while trekking in the Manaslu circuit.

Mt. Manaslu Circuit Trek is often regarded as one of the best treks in Nepal Himalaya. It is a great alternative trek to the Annapurna Circuit trek. Start from Mache Khola and ends at Dharapani or Besi Sahar. Manaslu trek makes a complete circuit of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world providing some jaw-dropping Himalayan views. The major highlights of this trek are the visit to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m), Sama Village, Birendra Lake or Phungen, and the crossing of Larke La pass (5,106 m). Along the trekking path, you will feed spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Himlung mountain. Planning a solo group joining or a private family trip to Manaslu? We guarantee 100% Satisfaction and safety!

Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty level

It is a moderate difficulty level in high terrain. While on this trek one can experience the intermingling of a century of old tradition with newly introduce Buddhism. The trail moves up along the Budhi Gandaki River passing through rolling green hills, valleys, villages, and terraced farm fields. The trail passes through Manaslu Conservation Area which has successfully promoted eco-tourism by preserving wildlife and ecological biodiversity. In the higher elevation, the landscape changes from green forests to dry to arid geography. The people here are Tibetans and follow Tibetan Buddhism visible on Mani walls, Chortens, and Stupa. The clean and standard type of tea houses is available along the trek. Extending a trip to Tsum Valley is an ideal plan to experience the spiritual sites of Tsum valley. Manaslu Trekking is rated moderate to strenuous, thus making it suitable for all physical levels of trekkers. We proposed the best suitable trek itinerary, trek map, and the Manaslu circuit trek at the lowest cost with a highly experienced trek leader.

Recommended side trips while Manaslu Trek

Tsum Valley with Mu Gumpa: Tsum valley is a newly opened area bordering Tibet and the lifestyle and culture is very similar to Tibetan. Tourism, husbandry work, agro-farming, and Monastery life are the main occupation in the region.

Serang Gompa (3100m): Known as Nubri Gumba lies Tsum above the Bhi village. It is a meditation monastery bordering Tibet a refugee exist for more than 500 years in this high-altitude southern slop.

Kal Tal, meaning 'Death Lake' (3600m.): The detour to Kal Tal is 4 hours of walking above the Prok village. This is a scenic place to view the diverse landscape and is religiously significant.

Hang Gompa and Himalchuli Base Camp (4020m): It is a beautiful monastery from Bihi. Walk for about one hour and reached the monastery in the meadows of pine forest.

Phungen Gompa (Around 4050m/11316ft.): You may take a detour from Shyalla or Sama Gaon. This is the most scenic and picturesque place at the Manaslu Base Camp trekking region.

Birendra Tal (3450m/ 11316ft.): This is a high-altitude freshwater turquoise lake feed by glaciers. It is one hour walk from Sama Gaon. You may try to swim or wash your feet.

Manaslu Base Camp (4900m/16072ft.): The base for the Manaslu expedition patches its tent and stays for acclimatization. It is 4 hour's walk from Sama Gaon through the steep slope. The views are extraordinary of the lake, glacier, landscape, and vegetation.

What to expect in the Manaslu Circuit trek

Manaslu trek offers the opportunity of taking an expedition on Mt. Manaslu and Larke peak and grants the possibility of exploring the Monastery, Stupa, and century-old culture. Manaslu Circuit trekking offers a great view from Larke Pass (5,106 m) into the Himalayan vista. Our 13 days itinerary is outlined so we are happy to follow your suggestion you may have. For the customized trek please contact us. After crossing Larke La the path meets with the world-famous Annapurna Circuit trek in Dharapani. While on the Manaslu round trek, people can experience the six climatic zone. The tropical climate zone lies below 1000m, the sub-tropical zone (1000m-2000m), Temperate zone (2000m-3000m), Sub Alpine zone (3000m-4000m), Alpine zone between 4000m to 5000m is mostly open meadows and Artic climatic zone lie at an elevation above 4500 and above the snow line is at about 5000m. The best time for trekking is late March to May and October to early December. Late December to February is winter and the temperature is freezing cold. Jun to August monsoon occurs much rainfall and landslide.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is our top-selling trip in Nepal, Global Adventure offers the best 15-day itinerary to Manaslu Trek including a drive. Take maximum satisfaction at the lowest cost the booking is open for 2023 and 2024.

Highlights

  • The jaw-dropping natural beauty of forests, rivers, waterfalls and flora and fauna of the Manaslu region.
  • Friendly local people with the rich culture of the area including Nepalese and Tibetan ethnic groups.
  • Circle around the shadows of Manaslu within 14 days
  • Mesmerizing views of Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang and Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

Outline Itinerary

Open All Days Close All Days
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, met our airport representative transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

  • None
  • Hotel
  • 1350 m

Enjoy! visiting Kathmandu and shopping for missing trek gears. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 1,350 m

Today we take a long drive to Macchekhola. Along the way, you will see many beautiful greenery landscapes, rivers, and beautiful views of the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu mountain ranges. Beautiful rivers local villages, Waterfalls, and rice fields make your drive more exciting. Arrival and check-in guesthouse.

Distance cover: 160 km, Approx. time taken: 8 hours

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guset House
  • 900m

This is the narrow exposed trail and needs to Cross the Macchakhola which is known as a fish- steam. This is the small settlement of the Gurung, Magar, and Chhetri people. There are many scrambling up and down slopes. And you will reach the Tatopani(natural hot spring). After the short walk to the forest, cross the river over the suspension bridge and walk uphill to Jagat overnight.

Approx. time taken: 6 hours

Distance cover: 22km/ 13.66 mi 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guset House
  • 1,350 m

The first section is easy going walk and crosses the Budhi Gandaki, the trail ascends through the rice terrace up to Philim. This is quite a big Gurung settlement and beautiful people. Once you cross the village, the route enters the uninhabited gorge. Cross the Budi Gandaki over the wooden cantilever bridge. Then the trail makes its way up to the western side and valley offering a pleasant walk through the bamboo forest to Deng Khola once you cross the Khola, we reach Deng village overnight at Deng.

Distance cover: 19km, Approx. time taken: 6-7 hours

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guset House
  • 1,850 m

After a short walk, the trail crosses the Budi Gandaki. There is a shop where you can buy some drinks. The trail darts in and out of two ravines then continues to climb high above steep on the opposite side of the river then cross the Budi Gandaki here. we cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several Gomba and Mani stone routes. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest followed by a steep climb to Namrung.

Distance cover: 17 km, Approx. time taken: 7 hours

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 2,650 m

Now, the trail enters the Nupri region. The people of this region are all descendants of Tibetan immigrants. Most of them put on Chubas dress, they are known as Bhote people. Today, you can enjoy walking through the rhododendron, firs, and oak forest. Spectacular views of Manaslu (8,156 m) and Manaslu North (7,154 m). The trail then climbs small steam and gets to Lho, a big village with Monastery, gumba, and Mani stone.

Distance Cover: 10.5 km, Approx. time taken: 5 hours

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 2,950 m

We need to cross the ridge out of the valley to the BudhiGandaki side, and trek in and out through the rock-strewn moraine. We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a wonderful village with many Mani Stones, Chortens, and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. We further pass through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also can explore the very popular Ribung Gompa. Shyala village will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. This will be a pleasant stay at Sama Gaon.

Distance cover: 17km, Approx. time taken: 6 hours

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 3,550 m

This is the acclimatization day, it is a very beautiful day as Sama Gaou is one of the most spectacular villages. You have a couple of options to explore around. South of Sama Gaon, there is an old Pung-Gyen gompa, which is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu. This is the best viewpoint for the beautiful landscape and surroundings. You take a rest to acclimatize and relax. In addition one can hike to the beautiful glacial Lake 'Birendra Lake' or Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pangphuchuli), Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, and Manaslu icefall. Itself, this is the heavenly paradise environment.

Option for detour

Opt I: Trek Pungen Gompa and back-14 km, altitude gain 550m, walking 6 hours

Opt II: Birendra Tal and back-5km, 2 hrs

Opt II: Trek to Manaslu base camp and back-17km/8hrs altitude gain-900m 


  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 3,500 m

Trek to Samdo village is another pleasant day. The path is wide and properly managed. Passing the pine forest and Mani wall, the view of the landscape and Manaslu ranges and Buddha Himal, Shringi Himal are most eye-catching. After crossing the river through wooden bridge leads you to Samdo.

Distance cover: 17 km, Approx. time taken: 4 hours

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 3,875 m

After acclimatization day in Samagaun, people are more excited about the Larkya pass. Today, we descend on a wide gentle path and enjoy the big old mani stone wall and Chorten. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the Dharmasala. Along the way passing Larke Bazaar "fair seasonal Tibetan market" is another interesting place to explore.

Distance cover: 12 km, Approx. Time taken: 5 hours

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 4,460 m

Today is the main day as you are going to cross the Larke al pass (5,160 m), which is one of the most beautiful and tremendous. The route is long and gentle climbing beside the moraine. The Larkya Glacier offers great views of Cheo Himal (6,820 m), Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru (6,981 m), Annapurna range, and Larkya Peak. Now, we descend along the top of a moraine, down steep scree slopes. Ahead walk through grassy moraine and a big Mani stone that leads to a large meadow. Finally, you will be in Bimtang where you can have a big night after the successful pass.

Distance cover: 24 km, Approx. time taken: 8/9 hours

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 3,600 m

Walk through the forest and waterfall to Dharapani, this is easy and short walking until  Tilje here stops for lunch and keep continues to Dharapani. Dharapani is the world-famous Annapurna Circuit trek (Larke pass) starting point as well.

Distance cover: 22 km, Approx. Time taken: 7 hours 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 1,960 m

After having a healthy breakfast drive to Besishahar (25 km / 2 hours) by Jeep along with graveled road and take another bus to Kathmandu. It is 180 km from Dharapani and takes about 6 hours. This is a beautiful bus ride along the way you can see many beautiful landscapes, rivers, local villages, and rice terraces. It is a paved and smooth road which is an easy and comfortable ride. Evening farewell Dinner

Distance cover: 216 km, Approx. Time taken: 8 hours 

  • full board meals
  • Hotel
  • 1,350 m

As per your flight schedule, we will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport. Bye!

  • Breakfast

What's included

  • Airport picks up and drops off by private vehicle
  • Manaslu Conservation entry permit (MCAP)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permits for 7 days
  • Trekker Information Management System (TIMS)
  • All ground transportation as per itinerary by public and private sharing vehicle
  • All overnight Tea house Accommodation during the trek as  per itinerary
  • 3-Night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin Sharing) including breakfast
  • Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) whilst trek
  • Sleeping bag and down jacket if required
  • Government-certified, well-experienced English Speaking trekking guide
  • Salary including insurance, equipment, accommodation, and food for all Nepalese Guide
  • International flights to and from Nepal
  • Nepal Entry Visa fees, Visa cost 25 USD, 50 USD, and 125 USD for 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days respectively. It can be obtained on your upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
  • Entry fees or donations, museums, monasteries while on trekking, etc
  • Emergency evacuation by Helicopter just in case, the cost should be bear by your travel insurance company.
  • Extra night hotel and food in Kathmandu in case of early return from the mountain than a scheduled plan. 
  • Alternative transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide, strike, road blockade, etc.
  • Meals other than those listed in inclusions (Hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
  • Laundry, towels, hot showers, internet access, recharging of batteries and other items of a personal nature.
  • Tips for guides

Price & Dates

Trip Dates Availability Price  
05 Jun, 2023 - 19 Jun, 2023 Guaranteed US$1099
05 Jun, 2023 - 19 Jun, 2023 Guaranteed US$1099
20 Jun, 2023 - 04 Jul, 2023 Guaranteed US$1099
Request a Private Date

Useful Info

Global Adventure Trek offers the Manaslu Circuit trek only as a small eco-friendly private trip with friends and family. We do have some scheduled departures here but we operate this trek as a more likely private one. Please contact us for the 2023/2024 group joining and private solo offer prices.

If you would like to have a deluxe five stars hotel in Kathmandu, we are happy to help you with the booking, Please kindly let us know. A 6-month valid passport is required to travel to Nepal. Visa can grant on your upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, here is the link for online visa forms.

Dengue spread mostly in the Asia and Pacific Islands by the Mosquito bits. However, going up to the mountain area is always safe because Mosquitos do not survive above 3000m. Although it is recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be extended up to 18 days if you would like to visit all monasteries, take an easy along the way and experience the local culture. We highly appreciated it if you have your own customized itinerary.

Client Reviews